The distinction between advanced common sense and brilliance is often murky. In many cases, those who succeed are not necessarily extraordinary geniuses but individuals who are willing to act on their convictions and navigate from simplicity to complexity, and back to simplicity. Once these individuals make their mark, it becomes difficult to imagine life without their contributions. My studies at Stanford Graduate School of Business and interactions with venture capitalists on the West Coast have led me to appreciate this concept, especially in relation to business.

Those who succeed often have the courage to act on their convictions. They do not merely dream or theorize; they take definitive action. This action, driven by belief and conviction, is often what separates the successful from the rest. It is not always about having a revolutionary idea but acting on what you believe is a viable business model. This to a large extent is advanced common sense, understanding that a plan is only as good as its execution.

The journey from simplicity to complexity and back to simplicity is a defining characteristic of many successful individuals and businesses. They begin with a simple idea, delve into the complexities to understand it fully, and then simplify it again for implementation or explanation. This cycle is crucial in business, where one must understand complex matters but also be able to explain them in simple, digestible terms. This ability can be seen as a form of brilliance, turning complex concepts into understandable and actionable information.

A key finding from my interactions with Stanford graduates and West Coast venture capitalists is their ability to explain the concept of a business in simple terms. They break it down to the fundamentals: a value creation model linked to a profit model through a logical connection. This distillation of a business to its most basic components is a testament to their advanced common sense and brilliance. They understand that at its core, a business must create value and generate profit logically and sustainably.

The line between advanced common sense and brilliance is indeed blurry. It is about acting on convictions, navigating the simplicity-complexity-simplicity cycle, and understanding the basic logic of business. The individuals who excel in these areas may not always be conventionally 'brilliant', but they possess a practical wisdom and clarity of thought that is invaluable in the realm of business and beyond. As we continue to learn and grow, let us strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and appreciate them in others.